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Mbuna Tank

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Hi Guys,

This is my first post on this website, hoping I'm in the right section!!

I am going to set up a Mbuna tank in the next few months. The tank I am going to have made is 45 US Gallons (172 litres). The dimensions for it are: 850mm length, 450mm height and 450mm depth. I can't go any larger than this and cannot reduce height or depth to increase length. With the height and depth, I can increase one and decrease the other. Anyway to the point, I want to keep 4 Demasoni, 4 Electric Yellow and 4 Blue Mbuna in groups of 1x male and 3x female. I know this might be pushing it but I know that a little over crowing can reduce aggression. I would do plenty of water changes (30% 2X week) and will have a good external filter and UV purifier. I know some of you may think this is too much but bare in mind the tanks longish for 45 Gallon and will be kept very clean.

You're constructive thoughts please? Please note I cannot go any bigger with tank. If completely necessary, I could cut out one of the groups of fish. I am experienced with tropical s but note really with Malawi Cichlids.

4 dems is a recipe for disaster. In that size tank, you'll need to do all dems if you want to keep them.

Electric yellows are too large for your tank. Not sure which species you're referring to as Blue Mbuna.

I would recommend a single species for this size tank. Demasoni could work but if you want color contrast go with. Ps. Saulosi. Blue barred males, bright yellow females. Plus they stay small and are less aggressive then many other mbuna species.

In a 45 gal tank, I think you are fine for two groups with a total of 8-10 fish with only one male per. Personally I believe that Yellow Labs are fine, if you are reffering to a seperate electric yellow please list the scientific name. I wouldnt ever do a Demasoni of any type in a tank smaller than a 90 based on their bad attitude. Red Zebra's though would be ok I suppose. But you are looking at 1m 3f because of their potential in size. 5in but bulky.

If I may though, could I suggest going with Peacocks? They are generally smaller fish, have a larger variation of bright colors and are more peaceful.

Thanks for reply's everyone. I'm quite keen to keep 3 species and some one suggested 4 Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow Lab, more commonly called electric yellow in New Zealand) 4 Maylandia estherae (red zebra) and 4 Maylandia callainos (cobalt blue zebra). This would be 12 which could be pushing it a little but will also be a good thing as will spread out aggression. I will provide plenty of caves for them. Sound good?

As long as you dont sell any fry from the tank, I see no issues. The red and blue zebra can cross breed. But this is my opinion. I have a full grown male red zebra in with peacocks that are half his size and he is no bother at all.

Thanks for good advice. I've decided to get a long 45 gal made which has the same footprint as a 55 (48"L 13"D 18"H). 13"w seems to be standard for long 45's and normal 55's, always seems so narrow to me. Now the next mission is finding something (cheap but sturdy) to put it on!!